Special Olympics Louisiana >> Athletes & Families

I have new heroes and they are the parents of persons with Intellectual Disabilities. They demanded that their children be treated like other children. They said, my children are of value. In 10 or 15 years, we are going to have millions of athletes in Special Olympics around the world and the parents are going to say to everybody, We won.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Honorary Chair, Special Olympics

Family is important to the athlete to make him or her stronger. They are the engines of Special Olympics and as more families become involved, the more the athlete will be involved. It is important that families be present at all events to provide encouragement and share the joy.

lvaro Miranda, Special Olympics International Global Messenger (Special Olympics Peru)

In order to participate in Special Olympics, an athlete must:

Be eligible for Special Olympics (see eligibility criteria)
Register with us by emailing your contact information
Contact your Area Director (via this Web site click on your parish name under contact your area program)
Have a medical exam by a physician, have them complete the form and turn in the form to your Area Director along with a consent form.

Get More Information on who qualifies.

Opportunities for the Athlete

Get Involved as a Family
Families are Special Olympics most powerful resource. They are extremely important to the Special Olympics movement, and we offer many ways for you to get involved. If you would like to join our State Family Committee or your Area Family Committee, contact us.

Special Olympics is an opportunity for families...
to share in the accomplishments of their children.
to meet other families in Special Olympics.
to share the Special Olympics joy with other families and friends.
to have new recreational activities.
to have family pride.

There are many ways to get involved:

Volunteer at events
Become a coach
Train athletes at home between practices
Participate in Unified Sports
Become involved in your area Family Program

Special Olympics Family Camp is a great camp where families and athletes will be given an opportunity for educational and social activities, as well as family interaction and fellowship. Our next family camp will be coming up in the Fall of 2009! For more information email Sonny Taylor or call 318-377-7553.

Contact your area director for more local information.

Assisting us with these programs is:

Athlete Survey:
Please share your answers and ideas with us. Special Olympics Louisiana wants to provide greater opportunities for all our athletes by making each event memorable.